Long-term Ottery resident, Tony Madden, passed away on 26 February at the age of 95.

He had lived in the town for 85 years, although he spent his final months at a care home near his son in Surrey. Mr Madden worked for over 40 years at Ottermill Switchgear, where he was a draughtsman.

He had a long association with Devon & Cornwall Special Constabulary, in which he served for over 25 years, reaching the rank of Inspector. A devout catholic, he was the longest-serving parishioner at St Anthony’s RC church in Ottery, where he had been a President of the Knights of St Columba, and a Governor of the former Marist Convent school.

Mr Madden’s wife of 71 years, Dorrie Madden, passed away in 2023. He is survived by his son Paul, former British Ambassador to Japan, and his wife Sarah, and three grandchildren, Sebastian, Rupert and Francesca.